The Varying Requirement for Choline for Normal Metabolism of Proteins (Casein, Lactalbumin, and Soy Protein) with Particular Reference to the Hepatico-renal Syndrome

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Abstract
Young rats are particularly susceptible to deficiency of choline or labile methyl, as demonstrated by retarded growth, hemorrhagic kidneys and fatty livers, also by increased conc. of uric acid in the kidneys, subnormal conc. of riboflavin in the kidneys, and decreased rate of excretion. In marginal cases of choline or labile methyl deficiency, the latter manifestations may be detected prior to more objective pathologic conditions. For the prevention of the hepatico-renal syndrome in young rats a daily "choline equivalent" intake of 12-15 mg. is required when this is calculated by an assumed biologically equivalent labile methyl carried by the methionine of the dietary protein plus the labile methyl furnished by the choline. Other things being equal, choline compensates to a degree for a sub-optimal methionine intake as may occur from low protein dietaries, or diets containing protein of low methionine content. In the absence of choline, casein was superior to lactalbumin and soy protein in preventing the hepatico-renal syndrome, in maintaining normal kidney function, and in preventing excessive deposition of fat in the liver. The supplementation of lactalbumin and soy protein with choline produced increased growth and functional improvement comparable to the results obtained with casein; commensurate benefits were not obtained from choline supplements to casein diets. Sup- plements of dl-methionine with lactalbumin and soy protein brought about an improvement in growth rate in the absence of any other labile methyl supplement, but meth-ionine was not as effective as choline in lipotropic action and in maintaining normal kidney functions.

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